Silexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SLXN) has released positive preclinical data for SIL204, its RNAi therapy targeting KRAS-driven cancers. The study used orthotopic pancreatic cancer models, a more clinically relevant setting, and demonstrated that subcutaneously administered SIL204 reduced both primary tumor growth and metastasis. This is the first time the company has shown SIL204’s efficacy in an orthotopic model, significantly strengthening the drug’s potential clinical value.
This news is particularly important because it demonstrates the drug’s potential in a model that closely mimics human disease. The reduction in both primary tumor growth and metastatic spread with a minimally invasive subcutaneous administration further highlights SIL204’s therapeutic promise. Effective systemic delivery opens doors for broader treatment applications and potentially improved patient convenience compared to more invasive administration routes. Moreover, the therapy’s activity across multiple pancreatic cancer cell lines with varying KRAS mutation profiles suggests a potentially wide applicability for SIL204.
SIL204 significantly reduced tumor growth in various pancreatic cancer cell lines, including a 70% reduction in AsPC-1 (KRAS G12D mutation), dose-dependent reduction in Panc-1 (KRAS G12D mutation), and an 80% reduction in BxPC-3 (KRAS wild-type). Critically, the data showed a reduction in metastatic spread to the liver, intestine, spleen, and stomach in the Panc-1 and BxPC-3 models. The successful subcutaneous administration validates this method as a practical and potentially effective delivery route.
Based on these positive results, Silexion is revising its development strategy for SIL204, focusing on systemic administration. This advancement positions SIL204 as a potential treatment option for both primary and metastatic pancreatic cancers. The company’s move to expand its development plan signifies growing confidence in SIL204’s clinical potential and indicates the possibility of accelerating the drug’s path toward human trials. Further details on the revised strategy are expected in the coming weeks.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
